close
Monday, September 6, 2021

Rep raises alarm over collapsing bridge on Benin-Sagamu Expressway

The lawmaker warned that the collapse of the bridge was imminent.

• September 5, 2021

A member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Dennis Idahosa, has warned that the Ugbogui Bridge, on the ever busy Sagamu-Benin highway, linking commuters to Lagos may soon collapse.

A section of the bridge located at Ovia Southwest Local Government Area of Edo, before Okada Junction, has caved in and causing unending gridlock.

The lawmaker, who inspected the failed section of the bridge on Sunday in Benin, said it was a disaster waiting to happen.

Mr Idahosa, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, expressed regret that the bridge had been left unattended by the authorities concerned despite the heavy traffic on the route.

“My worry is not about the traffic around the bridge but the danger Nigerians who use the bridge are exposed to.

“The Lagos-Benin Highway is about the busiest road in the country and I am sure you will understand why I worry about what may happen if this bridge is not fixed as soon as possible.

“From the portion that has completely caved in, one can see the river and also notice the increase in vibration as motorists struggle to find their way through the narrow section that is good.

“It is a disaster waiting to happen and I am calling on the relevant government authority, the Ministry of Works through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently address the problem,” Mr Idahosa urged.

The Benin-Sagamu highway has lond been described as a death trap, with many failed portions constantly causing accidents and providing leeway for armed robbers and kidnappers to waylay travellers.

In May, six persons died from a fatal accident as the speeding driver tried to meander his way through the bad patches on the road.

On Saturday, Jide Sowore, brother to rights activist Omoyele Sowore was shot dead by highway kidnappers near Okada on the same highway.

More from Peoples Gazette

Enoch Adeboye

Faith

Redeemed leader Adeboye, other clerics pray for Nigeria

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, and other church leaders on Sunday prayed for Nigeria’s progress.

Economy

Hunger: Buhari orders setting up of 108 farm estates

Buhari has directed NALDA to establish at least 108 integrated farm estates across Nigeria’s senatorial districts to boost food production.

Politics

Masari attacks Wike, says Katsina will block Rivers from collecting VAT

Governor Aminu Masari says Katsina is appealing against a recent ruling by the Rivers Division of the Federal High Court, allowing Rivers to collect value-added tax (VAT).

Politics

Presidency lists ZIK mausoleum, NDDC, EFCC buildings as Buhari milestone achievements

The Presidency has reeled out a laundry of milestone achievements of President Muhammadu since he assumed office in 2015.

Africa

UN slams Guinea coup plotters, demands Alpha Condé’s release

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday condemned the coup d’etat in Guinea and demanded the immediate release of President Alpha Condé.

Sport

Saka scores as England thrash Andorra 4-0

Birthday boy Bukayo Saka on Sunday scored as England beat Andorra 4-0.